A couple whose policeman neighbour illegally accessed the police national computer to gain information on them say they still have confidence in the force.

Detective Constable Bruce Nigel Bartlett accessed the police national computer four times to find information about his neighbours Vernon and Debbie Smart.

The Smarts, who were involved in a dispute with Bartlett, suspected that he had accessed their details after receiving letters from him addressed with their full names.

Police investigations revealed that in May and June 2006 Bartlett had accessed the computer on four occasions, incorrectly stating that he had stopped Mr Smart in his car and wanted to run a check on him.

Debbie said: “We were disgusted when we found out. He has used his position as a police officer to gain the upper hand.”

Bartlett admitted three offences of attempting to illegally obtain personal information and one of actually obtaining personal information.

Debbie and Vernon arrived at Swansea Crown Court last Monday expecting a two-week trial, but were pleased when Bartlett changed his plea.

“We were happy that he admitted guilt but are unhappy that he hasn’t shown any remorse,” they said.

But, they say the case shows a commitment to standards in the police.

They added: “It shows you the police haven’t ignored it and the public have got to feel confident in that. They do weed out bad officers.”

Despite their ordeal the Smarts say they have every faith in the police force, especially since the appointment of Chief Superintendent Dean Richards as divisional commander.

Debbie said: “We wouldn’t want the police in this area to suffer because of one officer. It’s a shame that this one officer has let his colleagues and the force down.”

Vernon added: “We have always held the police in high regard and rely on them to be there for us if we have a problem.”

Peter Dickenson, of the Police Federation said: “DC Bartlett has always maintained that at the time he conducted the searches he did so in the honest belief that he was acting in accordance with his role as a police officer, but accepted that his judgement may have been impaired as a consequence of ill health and his closeness to the situation. DC Bartlett is an officer held in high esteem by colleagues and one who has provided twenty-nine-and-a-half years of unblemished service to the community.

“He is recovering from cancer and with the support of friends and neighbours he and his family are attempting to move forward with their lives.”